Ranking the Padres' SP prospects

We all know what the Padres’ farm system produces will have a lot do with the franchise’s direction. Here’s a look at how the system’s starting pitchers stack up:

Padres general manager Josh Byrnes isn’t dishing out hyperbole when he says the organization’s depth in starting pitching is now a strength. The projected ace (Andrew Cashner) is just 27 years old, the next up-and-comer (Tyson Ross) might have just as much upside, Ian Kennedy is just three seasons removed from a 21-win season and more talent is on the way. Some of that talent is coming off the disabled list (Cory Luebke and Joe Wieland, cross your fingers) and some is about to burst onto the scene.

1 – RHP MATT WISLER

Lowdown: With a fastball that reaches the upper 90s, a big curveball and a deceptive changeup, the 6-foot-3 Wisler took the biggest step forward among all of the Padres’ pitching prospects. He needed just six starts to get out of the California League, dominated the Texas League and is ticketed to start the 2014 season in Triple-A – if the Padres don’t find room for him in their rotation to start the year. The Padres’ brass doesn’t believe that’s unthinkable either. Although the Padres could trade some pitching prospects for help around the diamond, Wisler might have entered untouchable territory with his breakout 2013 campaign.

2 – LHP MAX FRIED

Lowdown: Although the 6-foot-4 Fried didn’t match Matt Wisler’s success in his first full year of pro ball, some in the organization would still slot Fried ahead of him based on projection alone. The left-hander pitches at 90-91 mph and shows both a plus curve and a plus changeup. His only real downfall so far has been a tendency to nibble over trusting his stuff. Look for him in Lake Elsinore next April.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Burch Smith works against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
— AP

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Burch Smith works against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
/ AP

Lowdown: Stellar in the minors, Smith ran hot and cold during his brief time with the Padres. A high-90s fastball helped him average 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings, but he pitched six innings or more just twice in seven starts, largely because he battled his command. He’ll be in the mix for a rotation spot next spring.

4 – RHP KEYVIUS SAMPSON

Lowdown: Despite posting a 7.11 ERA in nine starts in the Pacific Coast League after dominating Double-A San Antonio, the Padres are believers in Sampson. He’ll be protected on the 40-man roster this offseason and could eventually move his 95-mph fastball/changeup combo to the bullpen, where he pitched in the Arizona Fall League.

Joe Ross has the world in front of him, it seems, as a teenage top prospect for the Padres.
Jeremy Knop

Joe Ross has the world in front of him, it seems, as a teenage top prospect for the Padres.

5 – RHP JOE ROSS

Lowdown: Tyson Ross’ little brother stands at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds and boasts both a mid-90s fastball, a power breaking ball and changeup – all of which could be above average.

MASH UNIT

Tommy John surgeries derailed two of the Padres’ top pitching prospects going into the season, RHP Casey Kelly and RHP Joe Wieland, in 2013, forcing them out of the top five. Where they end up in the Padres’ plans will be determined by what they do when they get back on a mound in the spring.